Hot for Juicy
By CHRISTINA OCCHIPINTI:: May 18, 2006

Juicy, whose label has adorned the derrieres of A-list celebs, has new digs at The Westchester. Juicy Couture, famous for its signature form-fitting, yet relaxed track suits in velour, terry cloth and fleece, opened May 11 on the first floor near Neiman Marcus and across from Armani Exchange. Debbie Scates, marketing manager for the White Plains mall, said Juicy's arrival has been highly anticipated by mall-goers.

“Our customers have been waiting and asking for this for a while. It's certainly a contemporary retail line, and they already have a big following in New York. We are very excited about the retail mix here.” Rebecca Blair, vice president of sales and marketing for Juicy, said the company decided to open up boutiques of it own because self-expression is an important Juicy concept.

“The purpose of having Juicy stores is to allow us to fully express our vision as well as showcase all of our product offerings. Founders, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, are thrilled to be a part of the Westchester community.”

Juicy just launched a new shoe line by Schwartz and Benjamin Inc. and a sunglasses line by Safilo Group. Movado Group has also signed on to design, produce and market a collection of Juicy Couture watches that are scheduled to hit stores in October.

Juicy is working on three more locations in Manhattan on Bleeker Street, Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, which are scheduled to open late this summer. In total, Juicy expects to open 17 stores this year.

The Los Angeles-based Juicy Couture was started in 1997 and acquired by Liz Claiborne in 2003.